Background
The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC) aims to undertake research to facilitate the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems. Our vision is to work to achieve healthy productive aquatic ecosystems that are managed in a sustainable manner. The mission of the MDFRC is to generate the scientific knowledge required to enable the sustainable management of water and associated environmental resources of the Murray-Darling Basin. We do this through the generation, synthesis and communication of scientific knowledge.
Dr Terry Hillman was Director of the MDFRC from 1993 to 2001, and this is the sixth year that the Honours Prize has been offered (previously as the T.J. Hillman Honours Scholarship).
Purpose of the Prize
To foster research that is of direct relevance to environmental management of riverine and wetland ecosystems and catchments, in the Murray or Murrumbidgee regional basins, through increasing the linkages between researchers at MDFRC and either Charles Sturt University or La Trobe University Honours students.
Subject Areas
Any area of Natural Resource Management, especially if it aligns with information needs identified in either catchment management strategies or blueprints.
Number of Prizes
One (1) Prize will be awarded each year, however, an Educational Prize is not necessarily awarded each year.
Prize
A $3,000 stipend.
Eligibility
All students intending to commence their Honours year in Semester 1 2011 from either Charles Sturt University or La Trobe University.
Selection Criteria
The recipient of the prize will have a strong academic background, however, evidence of a carefully researched project proposal (see below) is of equivalent importance. Applicants must have a MDFRC researcher as a joint supervisor of their project.
Applications
Written applications should be addressed to:
Dr Gavin Rees
"Terry J. Hillman Educational Prize 2011"
The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre
PO Box 991
Wodonga VIC 3689
Applications close: 5:00pm on Friday 11 March 2011
Note: No late applications will be considered.
Submitting Your Application
a) Speak to potential thesis supervisors at your University and MDFRC staff; identify a potential project.
b) Write a project proposal. This should be no more than four (4) pages, but should include title, brief literature review, objectives, and methods. The standard format for scientific reporting is recommended. Your supervisor(s) should have strong input into your proposal.
c) Include your resume, with your academic results.
d) Letter of endorsement from your supervisor(s).
Applicants are strongly advised to target their project proposal towards issues related to environmental management of riverine and wetland ecosystems.
All applicants will be advised by mail of the success or otherwise of their application. Short-listed candidates may be called for an interview.
Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions
1) The Prize will be paid in two (2) equivalent amounts at the beginning of 1st and 2nd semester of study (The 2011 Educational Prize is valued at $3,000 in total). The prize will be paid into the student's nominated bank account. The second payment will be made subject to the submission of a progress report from the applicant's supervisors, indicating progress, and notification that the student is an on-going enrolment at their institution.
2) The recipient must acknowledge sponsorship of the Terry J. Hillman Honours Educational Prize and The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre in all publicity and reports.
3) The recipient will be required to email a .pdf version of their final thesis to the MDFRC Knowledge and Communications Manager: r.sinclair@latrobe.edu.au. Recipients are also required to deliver a final project seminar to the MDFRC staff.
4) If a student is awarded the Terry J. Hillman Honours Educational Prize and then subsequently defers from their Honours year, then the Prize will be forfeited.
5) An Educational Prize is not necessarily awarded each year.
6) Determination of the recipient's taxability of the Educational Prize is the sole responsibility of the applicant. Visit the link to the following Australian Taxation Office dichotomous key http://calculators.ato.gov.au/scripts/axos/axos.asp?CONTEXT=&KBS=iScholarship.XR4&go=ok
For further information contact Dr Gavin Rees, Assistant Director, The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, email Gavin.Rees@csiro.au
Information for applicants 2011 (323 KB)
Terry J Hillman Honours Educational Prize 2011 Flyer (209 KB)
2010 Prize Recipient Media Release (56 KB)
